Why should communities plan for emergencies?

Emergencies happen even in relatively safe places

Scotland regularly experiences severe winter weather, flooding, fuel shortages, animal diseases, and pandemic viruses. These events disrupt daily life and can put people at risk.

Prepared communities cope better

When communities organise themselves and create a Community Emergency Plan, they can make a big difference in reducing harm and speeding recovery.

Emergency responders cannot be everywhere at once

Police, fire, ambulance, local authorities, with other public services and voluntary groups work together in Resilience Partnerships, but they must prioritize those in greatest need. A local plan helps communities manage until responders arrive.

Resilience saves lives and resources

A plan helps communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies using their own strengths – skills, knowledge, and resources – while complementing official efforts.

Past incidents show the value of community planning and response

Simple activities, like getting together to clear snow and ice from paths or offering a helping hand to neighbours who might become vulnerable in an emergency, can make all the difference.

This guide provides advice to groups that want to help their communities cope better in an emergency and become more resilient by making a Community Emergency Plan together.

Resilient communities:

• are aware of risks that may affect them and how those risks might impact local people
• use their existing skills, knowledge and resources to prepare for, and deal with, the consequences of emergencies
• work together to complement the work of the local emergency responders before, during and after an emergency

You can use or adapt the guide and templates to suit your community best.

It is important to remember that you should never do anything which puts you or anyone else in your community at risk.